Best Mattresses Under $1,000

All about mattresses under $1,000

Not many people claim to enjoy mattress shopping, yet this purchase has a huge impact on our lives. Choosing the wrong mattress can mean years of tossing and turning, aches and pains, and even allergies– not to mention the hole in your bank account. Finding the right mattress is all about reaching that happy medium between your budget and the support and comfort you need.

The recent boom in direct-to-consumer mattress sales has enabled mattress producers to sell their products online and ship directly to the customer. Cutting out the many middlemen involved in retail mattress sales means that consumers can now buy luxury-style mattresses for under $1,000.

What to look for in a mattress under $1,000

In the last five years, dozens of direct-to-consumer mattress companies have popped up and are offering more options than ever before to consumers. While this is a good thing for the variety of choices and certainly for your wallet, it can also make mattress shopping more stressful. Some companies are selling truly innovative and luxurious mattresses for under $1,000. If you’re considering buying a mattress for under $1,000, make sure to look for these features.

Warranty: Don’t settle for a sub-par warranty on a mattress under $1,000. Mattresses in the $500-$1,000 price range should come with warranties that provide at least 10 years of coverage. Some even include lifetime warranties.

Certifications: Reputable mattress companies obtain third-party certifications to provide evidence of the quality of their materials. Mattresses which cost under $1,000 should be made with materials that meet certifiable standards. Buying a mattress made with certified materials is a guarantee of quality, safety, and sustainability.

Quality materials: Low-quality mattresses can contain a lot of “fillers,” meaning materials sandwiched into the mattress that offer little value except to increase thickness. Mattresses under $1,000 should be composed of primarily high-quality materials, like memory foam, gel foam, latex, and steel coils.

Pocketed coils: Innerspring or hybrid mattresses under $1,000 should contain pocketed coils opposed to continuous coils. Pocketed coils are individually wrapped and are much better at responding to the shape of the body. Continuous coils are connected to one another and offer little in terms of support and durability.

Mattress covers: A good mattress cover should enhance the benefits of a mattress instead of covering them up. Custom mattress covers are made to compliment a mattress and should be included with your purchase in this price range.

Sleep trial: Sleep trials solve the problem of not being able to test a mattress before buying online. During the trial period, a sleeper can return the mattress for any reason and receive a full refund. Sleep trials should last at least 100 days.

What to expect from a mattress under $1,000

Due to the internet and advancements in technology, you can expect quite a lot from a mattress under $1,000. An $800 mattress nowadays has about the same to offer as a mattress that cost twice as much a decade ago. It’s true that these mattresses aren’t the most luxurious on the market, but the mattresses in this review can certainly be described as high-end. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from a mattress under $1,000.

Multiple layers: Mattresses under $1,000 should contain multiple layers made of quality materials. The purpose of layering a mattress is to provide graded support and durability. Mattresses in this price range should contain at least one comfort layer as well as one transition layer and a support layer. These layers may be composed of foams of varying densities, innerspring coils, or pillowtop plush materials among others.

Custom design/materials: The best mattresses under $1,000 are made by companies that are dedicated to innovation and functional design. Many brands have developed unique materials that are exclusive to their mattress(es). These materials have been developed to achieve a specific purpose and to represent the brand, which usually means they are more effective than standard sourced materials in cheaper mattresses.

Good lifespan: A mattress in the $500-$1,000 price range should meet industry standards for durability and lifespan. Foam mattresses should last between 10-15 years, while hybrids and innerspring mattresses can be expected to last at least 10 years.

Some luxury materials: Mattresses under $1,000 won’t typically be made completely of luxury materials, but some luxury-quality materials should be incorporated into the design. These materials can include fine fabrics like silk, organic cotton, Tencel, high-quality wool, graphite or copper-infused foams, or custom-designed materials.

Customer service: Mattresses in this price range should come with good customer support. This includes free shipping and returns, help lines, knowledgeable staff, and quick response times. Staff should be able to answer all customers questions to ensure peace of mind. They should also be upfront about the company’s policies.

Pros and cons of mattresses under $1,000

Mattresses under $1,000 offer sleepers many features, good support, and a high degree of durability. Mattresses of all varieties can be found in this price range (innerspring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid), so there should be something for everyone. However, there are some sleepers who may want to spend a bit more. Consider these pros and cons of mattresses under $1,000.

Pros:

Affordable

Supportive

Comfortable

Many style options

Fine materials

Durable

Good warranties

Sleep trials

Cons:

Not suitable for obese sleepers

Lack luxury, hotel-bed feel

May contain some “filler” materials

Offgassing odor (foam mattresses only)

What type of sleeper should consider a mattress under $1,000?

There are suitable mattresses under $1,000 for all sleeper types (side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers). In general, the mattresses in this review are ideal for those who want to invest in a long-term sleep solution without spending a fortune. These mattresses will last longer and offer more in terms of support and comfort than cheaper mattresses. Here are some additional sleepers who might want to purchase a mattress for under $1,000.

Young couples: Couples who need a mattress for their new home but don’t want to spend too much can still find a great mattress for under $1,000. Couples purchasing a mattress on this list won’t have to think about making another similar purchase anytime soon. They’ll also benefit from the support and comfort that comes from high-end materials.

Sleepers with aches and pains: Cheap mattresses can leave sleepers feeling pain at night and during the day. All of our best-rated mattresses under $1,000 are designed to provide excellent support to the back, neck, and joints in order to combat aches and pains caused by tension.

Heavier sleepers: Heavier sleepers (those weighing more than 200 lbs) can experience more discomfort than lighter sleepers. This is due to the fact that they compress the mattress to a greater degree. Cheaper mattresses may aggravate pressure points in heavier sleepers or cause overheating. The mattresses on this list offer greater support and more layers to provide a better sleep surface for heavy people.

While mattresses under $1,000 are suitable for just about everyone, there are some sleepers that may need to spend more, and may want to check out our best mattresses under $2,000.

Those with severe pain: Severe pain is more than an inconvenience; it’s a medical condition. Buying a mattress that promises relief from aches and pains may not be enough for these sleepers. If you suffer from severe pain, consult a doctor or a specialist before purchasing a mattress.

Obese sleepers: Most of the mattresses on this list were not designed for sleepers who weigh more than 300 lbs. These sleepers may need to look for a mattress made specifically for overweight people.

Sleepers looking for luxury: Many mattresses under $1,000 promise a luxurious experience, but this isn’t exactly the case. It’s not difficult to find a high-end mattress in this price range, but for a real luxury feel (mattresses made from 100% high-quality materials with no filler, all-natural and organic components, ultra-fine fabrics, etc.) sleepers will need to spend more.

The best mattresses under $1,000

Nectar

When it comes to value, Nectar is one of the best Queen mattresses under $1,000. Not only is it one of the least expensive mattresses on this list, but it also comes with industry-topping benefits like a 365-day sleep trial and Nectar’s unique forever warranty. The Nectar is an 11” cooling memory foam mattress comprised of four layers and a Tencel fiber mattress cover. The first two layers are comfort layers made of cooling gel memory foam. They are followed by a denser foam transition layer and a high-density, breathable support core.

Highlights:

Firm support: The Nectar is a medium-firm mattress, meaning the memory foam provides form-fitting support without too much of a “sinking in” feeling. Many customers have mentioned relief from aches and pains after sleeping on the Nectar.

Sleeps cool: Memory foam tends to sleep hot, but each of the Nectar’s layers (and its cover) work together to counter this. Two layers of gel memory foam work to pull heat away from the body, and the Tencel fiber cover is highly breathable and wicks moisture. Even the base layer of the Nectar is designed to be breathable, which is not common in similar mattresses.

365-day sleep trial: The sleep trial offered by Nectar is over three times longer than the industry average.

Forever warranty: Lifetime warranties are uncommon in mattresses. Nectar stands by the durability of its product with enough confidence to guarantee it will last the life of the sleeper.

Nectar Coupon

Purple

The Purple mattress is truly unique. It is not a traditional mattress, meaning that it does not offer comfort and support from foam or springs. Instead, it is topped with a patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer which resembles a flexible rubber. This material adapts to the shape of a sleeper’s body no matter what position they sleep in, and it retains no heat. A memory foam transition layer and base layer follow the initial, Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort layer to provide firm support and durability. The Purple mattress also comes with a unique, polyester-lycra cover which is meant to complement the feel of the comfort layer.

Highlights:

Good bounce and support: The Hyper-Elastic Polymer and memory foam combination provides an unmatched balance between motion isolation and bounce. Customers have experienced good support for the back, neck, and joints without feeling like they can’t easily change positions.

100% certified: Each layer of the Purple mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. No cheap fillers are used in this mattress.

No heat retention: The Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort layer of the Purple is designed in a grid-like pattern which keeps it open and breathable. The material itself is also not a conductor of heat. As a result, the Purple mattress is reported to sleep cooler than memory foam and latex mattresses.

10-year warranty: The Purple mattress comes with a 10-year warranty that covers manufacturer’s defects. The mattress cover is protected for 2 years under the warranty.

Saatva

The Saatva is an 11” innerspring coil mattress which features two separate layers of coils. This may be the closest to a luxury mattress under $1,000 that can be found on this list. Almost every aspect of the Saatva is unique, and an impressive amount of detail went into the construction of its four layers. The initial layer is a soft pillow top covered with breathable organic cotton. This is followed by an additional memory foam comfort layer for contour support. The third layer consists of pocketed coils which are individually wrapped in foam. The final, base layer is comprised of durable hourglass-shaped coils. The Saatva is available in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.

Highlights:

Comfort: Customers report a luxurious feel to the Saatva mattress. Its plush, pillow-top layer is very soft and covered with organic cotton, a material commonly found in more expensive mattresses. The addition of a memory foam layer furthers the comfort and support of this mattress.

Foam-wrapped coils: Foam wrapped coils are a unique touch in the Saatva and provide seamless support and comfort. This feature also enhances the motion isolation capabilities of the Saatva while neutralizing any noise from the springs.

Edge support: The Saatva has an additional set of layers that border the mattress. These are in place specifically to provide optimal edge support. A 2” layer of poly foam bolsters the head and foot of the mattress, while a “5 layer reinforces the sides.

15-year warranty: The Saatva mattress is protected by a 15-year warranty which covers manufacturer’s defects. This indicates that the Saatva will have a longer lifespan than the average innerspring mattress.

Bear Mattress

The Bear Mattress was designed specifically with athletes in mind. This 10”, medium-firm mattress is made with three layers of high-quality foam that are meant to provide advanced support and cool comfort. Two comfort layers work together to provide a balance between support and responsiveness. The first is a graphite-infused gel foam that is soft and cooling. The second is a 2.5” layer of memory foam which has a responsive top half and a dense bottom half that acts as a transition to the base layer. A 6.5” support core follows, which is extra firm for guaranteed durability and support.

Highlights:

Responsive: The Bear Mattress is more responsive than other foam mattresses, and therefore has more bounce and better mobility. Its unique design allows it to facilitate movement without sacrificing support or, more surprisingly, motion isolation.

Durable: The Bear Mattress was designed for athletes, which means it can handle more weight and pressure than other mattresses in its price range. It is made with only high-density foams for long-lasting support.

Performance-enhancing cover: A special feature of the Bear Mattress is its cover. This custom mattress cover is made from Celliant fibers which are reported to boost oxygen levels in the blood and promote quicker muscle recovery.

Eco-friendly: The Bear Mattress is made from eco-friendly materials. This is not only sustainable for the environment but also renders the mattress more durable and breathable.

Bear Mattress Coupon

Tomorrow Sleep

The Tomorrow Sleep mattress is a hybrid mattress under $1,000 that boasts features which more expensive brands lack. These include phase-change technology for temperature regulation, ventilated layers, and reinforced edge support.

This 10” mattress comes in two firmness options: medium-soft and medium-firm. The former consists of three layers and the latter has four. The first layer is a memory foam comfort layer made from Black Diamond phase-change material. The second layer is a soft, gel-infused memory foam that provides form-fitting support and comfort (this layer is 2” in the medium-soft mattress and ½“ in the medium-firm). The medium-firm model has an additional 1.5” Dynamic Response layer to add firmness and bounce. The support layer (in both models) is a 6” layer of pocketed coils surrounded by ventilated foam to promote airflow.

Highlights:

Multi-layer support: The combination of high-quality memory foam and pocketed coils means that every layer of the Tomorrow Sleep mattress actively form-fits to the body for optimal pressure point relief.

Temperature control: Ventilated layers and gel-infused foam are effective at countering the tendency of memory foam to cause overheating, but the Black Diamond phase change material is the most impressive cooling element in the Tomorrow Sleep mattress. This luxury-grade material retains the temperature of its surroundings, meaning it will stay noticeably cool for 15-30 minutes after a sleeper gets into bed.

Edge support: A firm foam barrier surrounds the innerspring layer and provides solid edges to all four sides of the mattress.

Motion isolation: Hybrid mattresses typically have more bounce than 100% foam mattresses. The Tomorrow Sleep’s memory foam layers and firm foam edge reinforcement make for motion isolation that rivals the best foam mattresses.

Tomorrow Sleep Coupon

Layla

The Layla is a unique mattress in this review of the best mattresses under $1,000 as it is the only memory foam mattress that can be flipped. One side of the mattress has a firm surface and the other is soft. This allows sleepers to choose their firmness preference easily.

The Layla is an 11” mattress with four layers. We will describe the layers as if we’ve chosen the soft side. The initial soft layer is made of 3” of copper gel-infused memory foam. The next layer is a transition layer of egg-crate style comfort foam. The egg-crate design allows air to pass through the mattress and prevents heat from building up. A 5” support layer of dense memory foam follows. Finally, the Layla contains an alternative top layer of just 1” of copper gel infused memory foam. This acts as the comfort layer for the firm side of the mattress.

Highlights:

Flippable: Flipping this mattress not only allows for more comfort options but it also helps to increase its life.

Copper-infused foam: The luxury-grade copper gel found in the Layla mattress is naturally cooling and antimicrobial, not to mention durable.

Breathable: Apart from the cooling properties of copper, the Layla also features ventilated laters and a special mattress cover. The cover is made with ThermoGel, a temperature-regulating gel that brings even greater cooling capabilities to this mattress.

Lifetime warranty: Layla offers a lifetime warranty on its mattress which is quite comprehensive.

Layla Coupon

PangeaBed Copper Mattress

Another copper-infused mattress, the PangeaBed Copper Mattress differs from the Layla in that it features copper-infused latex opposed to memory foam. Latex is more responsive and more durable than memory foam while offering similar support for the back, neck, and joints. The four layers of foam that make up the PangeaBed Copper Mattress were all developed by PangeaBed and are unique to the Copper Mattress. The first layer is also the mattress cover. The reason we’ve included it as a layer is because it’s quilted and filled with foam, giving it a width of over ½“. It is followed by 1.5” of pure, copper-infused Talalay latex and 1.5” of cool gel foam. The final layer is a 7” support core made from extra-dense foam. This support layer is thicker and stronger than others, making it ideal for heavy sleepers.

Highlights:

Responsive support: Latex is more responsive than memory foam but still supportive to the contours of the body. Sleepers can expect more bounce, mobility, and a firmer feel from the PangeaBed Copper Mattress.

Natural latex: Talalay latex is a luxury material that is all-natural and eco-friendly. To create it, natural latex is processed in such a way that gives it a sponge-like structure. The result is a light, strong, and breathable foam with a springy responsiveness.

Copper-infused: The proven benefits of copper include its cooling and antimicrobial effects. There are also many other reported benefits of copper that include revitalizing and healing capabilities.